How much better is the first U.S. Blues
over Wave That Flag?
To me WTF bordered on the DayJob of 73.
So yes, Garcia fumbles the first few bottle rockets
on 2/22/74
(see opener & soundcheck)
but the biggest problem that USELESS had
was Location, Location, Location.
Death by ENCORE slot.
Otherwise it is a classic Dead tune
The Animation for U.S. Blues
in the Grateful Dead movie
blew my VIRGIN DEADHEAD MIND.
also some of the best versions of this tune
happened in 1974

Truckin is pandemonium,
Weir fumbling the lyrics but the band just wants to jam.
They are flying--- compare the tempo of this to the 1st set
Loose Lucy. Garcia has to step in before California slides into the sea. Nobodies Fault is slinky. To me this brings up the Pigpen vibe. Not that Pig was religious but that he was so soulful. Love the vocals by Garcia-- this tune works well with vocals or without.
Jerry & the band then resume the jam while Phil explores the NFBM riffs. Jerry does an about face and matches Phil's bass licks. Billy brings it home. GDTRFB!
Before i even understood the Gospel I knew this song was about GO TO HEAVEN! thank you Jesus!!!
When talking of the sweetness of Donna Jean her vibe with Garcia during this tune is like Heaven on Earth.
Not sure my smile gets any wider than during this song.

Certainly the most complete show I've had the opportunity to listen to. No real need to go through all the US Blueses, or any of them really, with Garcia forgetting nearly every word of the finally performed version. The Attics in the check sounds sweet, regardless of irate Phil and the limited monitors (sounds like a band name). The Estimated jam is interesting: didn't know they were working on that three years before.

Not reviewing this as representative of the year 1974, but of the Dead's entire career, this is a precious jewel. The first set alone is polished and glowing after a slightly rough start, with great sound (great job Charlie Miller, not to mention the Wall of Sound) accentuating the proceedings. For me this is the best sound quality the Dead ever had: in this transitional 73-74 period of their history.

Early Slipknot! jam there in Playin' at about 10:15. I don't know when Slipknot officially debuted live, but this is the earliest that I'm aware of.

Great recording/mix btw, much thanks

Have to agree with some of the other reviewers here - this is a very, very good show at times, but lots of mistakes and "bugs" they're clearly ironing out - first show in two months, since Curtis Hixon, so hey...

First set is where most of the problems occur - some are with the WOS, some are just about blown lyrics, and there's a lot of 'em here; Mexicali is where things start brightening up and Playin' is, as always, amazing.

Second: China Cat > Rider. Man, they really tighten it up. Groovy, but purposeful. They've done it so many times, and often so well, but you're denying yourself pure pleasure here if you haven't heard this one.

Third: Eyes. They hadn't get this one cooking into the 25+minute ether like they did later on in the year, but this one is absolutely delightful. Wharf Rat, on the heels of China Doll, is no slouch.

Just got done listening to all of the Fall '73 shows. This sounds like they are trying to figure out where they are going next. Lots of mis-cues and flat-out untuned guitars. I think they are practicing for the greatness that is about to come.

You can really hear each instrument with ease. They all blend so well on this recording. This show may have some missed lyrics and while not the best of '74, it is still an early '74 show. Don't pass it by.

the quality is great once headphones are put on. all around a great set lists with 3 sets there is a lot of for variation, and it was done quite well.